下滑 (xiàhuá) means 'to slide down' or 'to decline.' It is commonly used in contexts such as describing physical movement, like sliding down a slope, or metaphorically to indicate a decrease in performance or quality, such as a decline in grades or market value.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
xiàhuá(xia4hua2) T4
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May 27, 2026
下滑xiàhuá(xia4hua2)
下滑 (xiàhuá) means 'to slide down' or 'to decline.' It is commonly used in contexts such as describing physical movement, like sliding down a slope, or metaphorically to indicate a decrease in performance or quality, such as a decline in grades or market value.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of decline or sliding down is often discussed in Chinese education, where students frequently talk about their grades. This reflects the high value placed on academic performance in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a slippery slope where a person is sliding down (下 = down, 滑 = slide). Visualize this person losing grip on their grades or performance as they slide further down, connecting both the literal and metaphorical meanings of the word.
About 下滑
下滑Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 下滑
Podcast: 下滑
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AI Study Notes for 下滑
Quick Contrast
滑落 (huáluò) vs 下滑 (xiàhuá): use 下滑 for gradual decline or metaphorical contexts, while 滑落 emphasizes a sudden drop or fall.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a slippery slope where a person is sliding down (下 = down, 滑 = slide). Visualize this person losing grip on their grades or performance as they slide further down, connecting both the literal and metaphorical meanings of the word.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 下滑 with other similar terms like 下降 (xiàjiàng), which is more general for 'decline.' This word is more informal and can be used in everyday conversation, but may not be suitable for very formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, focus on using 下滑 in both physical and metaphorical contexts to enhance vocabulary versatility. Relate it to other HSK 7 words like 下降 (to decline) to deepen understanding of nuanced differences.
Cultural Note
The concept of decline or sliding down is often discussed in Chinese education, where students frequently talk about their grades. This reflects the high value placed on academic performance in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 下滑 with 上升 (shàngshēng), which means 'to rise.' A common mistake is saying '成绩下滑上升了' instead of '成绩下滑了,' mixing the upward and downward directions.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 下滑
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Cultural Notes for 下滑
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of decline or sliding down is often discussed in Chinese education, where students frequently talk about their grades. This reflects the high value placed on academic performance in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 下滑
Yes, it can describe a decline in emotional well-being, such as feeling down.
While it often has a negative connotation, it can also describe a natural decline in certain situations, like a seasonal change.
You could say '他的成绩下滑了' (His grades have declined).
